Oliver vs. Novachkov added to BTS event lineup

NEW YORK -- Jordan Oliver of Stillwater, Okla., will take on Boris Novachkov of Bulgaria at 65 kilos/143 pounds in the second matchup announced as part of the Team USA vs. World All-Stars international wrestling competition in Times Square on May 7. The remaining pairings will be revealed in the coming days for the event, held in support of the Beat the Streets youth wrestling program.

Oliver was second in the 2013 World Team Trials and 2013 U.S. Open. He also placed sixth in the 2014 U.S. Open. Oliver claimed a bronze medal at the 2009 Junior World Championships. He was a two-time NCAA champion and also an NCAA runner-up for Oklahoma State. A native of Easton, Pa., Oliver has won age-group national titles on the FILA Junior and Junior levels.

Novachkov is also a product of the American wrestling system. Born in Bulgaria, Novachkov went to high school in California, where he won two state titles and three U.S. Junior National titles. He went to Cal Poly for college, where he was an NCAA runner-up and three-time All-American. Since competing for Bulgaria on the Senior level, Novachkov was second in the 2014 European Championships and second in the Dan Kolov International in Bulgaria, along with other international placements.

They do not have a previous history on the Senior level. College is a different situation. They met three times during the 2009-2010 season when both were at 133 pounds. Oliver won in the finals of the Reno Tournament of Champions, 4-2. In a dual meet, Novachkov won by a 6-0 score. At the 2010 NCAA Championships in Omaha, they met in the quarterfinals at 133 pounds, with Oliver winning a 5-4 overtime match on a tiebreaker.

One other matchup has been previously announced: David Taylor of State College, Pa., vs. Yabrail Hasanov of Azerbaijan at 74 kilos/163 pounds

The purpose of this event is to elevate the profile of wrestling and to raise funds to support the operation of over 140 youth development wrestling programs in New York City, serving nearly 3,000 student-athletes.

The World All-Stars roster will feature Olympic, World and Continental medalists from around the world. Additionally, exhibitions involving the young Beat the Streets athletes prior to the international competition will be announced as they are set. The Beat the Streets children will take to the mat at 4 p.m., followed by Team USA vs. the World at 5:30 (match order TBD). The evening concludes with the Beat the Streets Award Gala at 7:30 p.m. at Best Buy Theater (1515 Broadway).

The USA vs. the World dual requires a ticket for reserved seating in Times Square, but is an outdoor event. Pedestrians and non-ticket holders are encouraged to watch. Admission tickets may be bought in advance at www.btsny.org or 212.245.6570. A ticket is required for the Gala. More details are available at btsny.org/gala. Fans can join the conversation about the event on Twitter by utilizing #BTSGalaTSQ.

65 kilos/143 pounds -- Boris Novachkov, Bulgaria
Second in 2014 European Championships… Second in 2014 Dan Kolov International (Bulgaria)… Fifth in 2014 Yasar Dogu International (Turkey)… Fourth in 2014 Dave Schultz Memorial International (USA)… Third in 2013 New York AC International (USA)… Third in 2013 Dave Schultz Memorial International (USA)… 2009 U.S. FILA Junior Nationals champion… 2007 U.S. Junior Nationals champion in Greco-Roman and second in freestyle… Third in 2006 U.S. Junior Nationals in both Greco-Roman and freestyle…2005 U.S. Junior Nationals champion in Greco-Roman and freestyle… 2011 NCAA runner-up for Cal Poly… Third in 2012 NCAA Championships… Seventh in 2010 NCAA Championships… 2006 and 2007 California state high school champion for Fremont High School… Born: November 29, 1989… Age: 24